Anagarika Govinda, born Ernst Lothar Hoffmann in 1898, was a German Buddhist scholar and mystic who played a significant role in introducing Buddhism to the Western world. His interest in Buddhism began at a young age and was shaped by his personal experiences and intellectual pursuits.

Govinda grew up in a culturally and intellectually rich environment, with his father being a renowned scholar and professor of literature. He was exposed to various philosophical and religious ideas, including Hinduism and Theosophy, from a young age. However, it was not until he was 16 years old that he first encountered Buddhism.

In 1914, Govinda came across a book on Buddhism by the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, which sparked his interest in the religion. Schopenhauer's interpretation of Buddhism as a philosophy of life rather than a religion resonated with Govinda and piqued his curiosity.

At the same time, Govinda was also struggling with personal and existential questions, such as the purpose of life and the nature of suffering. He found solace and answers in Buddhist teachings, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the concept of impermanence.

In 1919, Govinda left Germany and traveled to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where he encountered Buddhism firsthand. He was deeply impressed by the peaceful and compassionate nature of the Buddhist monks and the simplicity of their way of life. He also studied Pali, the language of the Theravada Buddhist scriptures, and immersed himself in the practice of meditation.

During his time in Ceylon, Govinda also met the renowned Buddhist scholar and monk, Anagarika Dharmapala, who became his mentor and gave him the name "Anagarika" (meaning homeless one) as a symbol of his renunciation of worldly attachments.

Govinda's interest in Buddhism continued to grow, and he traveled to India, Burma, and Tibet, studying under various Buddhist masters and deepening his understanding of the religion. He also became a disciple of the 13th Dalai Lama and was given the name "Govinda" (meaning protector of cows).

Throughout his life, Anagarika Govinda remained a devoted practitioner and scholar of Buddhism, writing numerous books and giving lectures on the subject. His journey towards Buddhism was a combination of intellectual curiosity, personal experiences, and a deep spiritual calling, which ultimately led him to become one of the most influential figures in bringing Buddhism to the Western world.