Anagarika Govinda

Born Ernst Lothar Hoffmann in Germany, Anagarika Govinda became a devoted Buddhist in his youth and later moved to Sri Lanka. He studied Theravada Buddhism and was instrumental in establishing the International Buddhist Union. His spiritual path led him to Tibetan Buddhism, particularly the Gelugpa tradition, after meeting Lama Ngawang Kalzang in Sikkim. Govinda became a significant proponent of Tibetan Buddhism, Abhidharma, and meditation, traveling extensively and establishing the Arya Maitreya Mandala order. He was also a painter and poet, and his writings explored Buddhist philosophy and mysticism.

Throughout his life, Govinda engaged in extensive study and practice, living in various hermitages and universities in India. He was interned by the British during World War II due to his associations. After the war, he married the artist Li Gotami, and they settled in Kasar Devi, India, which became a hub for spiritual seekers. Govinda undertook significant journeys to Tibet, documenting his experiences and receiving initiations into various Tibetan Buddhist lineages, which he later described in his influential books. He traveled the world in the 1960s and 1970s, lecturing and representing Tibetan Buddhism internationally.

Ernst Lothar Hoffmann was born in Waldheim, Germany, to a German father and a Bolivian mother. After contracting tuberculosis during World War I, he recovered and pursued studies in philosophy, psychology, and archaeology. He did not complete his formal education but moved to an art colony on Capri, Italy, where he worked as a painter and poet. During this period, he was deeply influenced by the life-philosopher Ludwig Klages and developed an early interest in Buddhism, becoming a committed Buddhist by age 18. He also practiced meditation and joined the Association for Buddhist Living.

In 1928, Hoffmann relocated to Sri Lanka, adopting the life of a celibate Buddhist layman. He spent time at the Island Hermitage, studying Theravada Buddhism under Nyanatiloka Thera. He played a role in founding the International Buddhist Union, aiming to unite Buddhists globally. While initially intending to become a monk, he was advised against it for practical reasons. He later founded the Variyagoda Hermitage in Sri Lanka, where he studied Abhidhamma and Pali. His spiritual journey took a significant turn when he encountered Lama Ngawang Kalzang in Sikkim, embracing Tibetan Buddhism while maintaining ties to his Theravada roots. He founded the Arya Maitreya Mandala order on the lama's instruction.

Govinda's understanding of Tibetan Buddhism deepened through his encounters with figures like Lama Ngawang Kalzang. His expeditions to Tibet, often with his wife Li Gotami, led to him receiving initiations into the Kagyüpa, Nyingma, and Sakyapa lineages. However, scholars like Donald Lopez have raised questions about the interpretation of these 'initiations' within traditional Tibetan contexts, noting Govinda's own broad understanding of the term. Govinda's writings, such as 'Foundations of Tibetan Mysticism' and 'The Way of White Clouds,' explore his experiences and philosophical insights into Buddhist traditions, emphasizing inner awakening over strict adherence to external rules.

Following World War II, during which he was interned by the British, Govinda and his wife Li Gotami settled in Kasar Devi, India. Their home became a gathering place for artists, writers, and spiritual seekers from around the world. Govinda, now an Indian citizen, continued his scholarly pursuits and extensive travels. He established a Western branch of the Arya Maitreya Mandala Order and undertook global lecturing tours in the 1960s and 1970s, representing Tibetan Buddhism internationally and sharing his unique synthesis of Buddhist philosophy, art, and practice.