Are there special methods for different types of people?

Lama Ole’s answer:

There are methods on the general level and on the highest level. On the highest level, there are the methods of identification through the three types of tantras.

The desire type meditates on the mother tantras. Here, the building-up phase is short and the completion phase long. One doesn’t pay too much attention to all the details but just sits there and feels really great.

Angry people keep the completion phase short because it feels too personal. This type of person sets a high value on having everything fit in its place, and he would rather keep a bit of distance. And for the confused people, both phases are almost equally long. They can also use the many details in the meditation to help them stay focused.

Karmapa is the activity of all buddhas; therefore, in the meditation you yourselves will notice which situation you are in. If you are desire types, it is not so important what the crown means or what Karmapa knows or can do. The main thing is the good feeling during the melting phase. If you are an anger type, you’ll want to know what every detail means and the melting phase doesn’t need to be so close. If you are a confusion type, then the emphasis goes back and forth. Those are the three ways to work with the meditation.

How can we recognize the type of person we are dealing with?

Lama Ole’s answer:

First, look at the body language. If they lean back in their seat and give the impression that they don’t want to listen, then these are anger types and it is better to hold back a little bit. If they come forward and cannot get enough, they are desire types and one can step into the situation completely. And if they look back and forth and don’t know what’s going on, then one is facing a confusion type.

You also see this in the streets: some people almost fall into the shop window because they want everything. Others almost get knocked over by cars because they want to have a lot of distance from everything. And some zigzag here and there, because they don’t know where they want to go. Also the clothing tells a lot—whether it’s form-fitting and shows skin or is instead a bit stiff or clumsy.

I myself am the best example of the desire type. For me it’s almost impossible to remember things I don’t like, and I constantly like everything I see. The anger types, on the other hand, are those who can always find something that they don’t like. There is more distance. Everyone has their box; they are more dignified and courteous. And then there are the philosopher types who have so many ideas and don’t really know what they want.

One should simply try to behave towards others according to their tendencies. The Dharma is good for everybody. The ways are different, but at the goal we are all one again. With this good feeling, one overlooks the differences and tries to use what is best in the moment.