Proceeds from the sale of each Tote Bag goes directly towards the not-for-profit quest of organising His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama's Teachings in the West.

A laid-back everyday accessory, this jute designer tote is created in a popular man bag/shoulder bag design and will be a sure favourite for anyone who loves unique book bags, shopping bags or conversation starters.

The Dalai Lama quote featured prominently on the surface of the bag reads "Without inner peace, how can we make real peace." The Dalai Lama

Measuring 28cm x 34cm + handles, it is eco-friendly, fair trade, and 100% naturally biodegradable.

This bag style was designed in Australia by Bang, and created by Bangladeshi artisans as part of the goal to build a new generation of consumers. Each artisan earns a living wage, enabling them to aim for a stable financial future by lifting their families above subsistence levels.

The surface of the jute bag opposite the Dalai Lama quote are filled with a striking mandala, surrounded by the words 'His Holiness the Dalai Lama' and 'Stages of Meditation' - a reference to both the various levels of meditation, and to one of His Holiness' favourite texts by Kamalashila which he has taught from, referring to it as a key that opens the door to Buddhist scriptures.

For those new to Tibetan Buddhist symbols, the word 'mandala' originated from the classical Indian cultural language of Sanskrit and simply means 'circle'. These magic circles are often used in meditation and symbolise many things, including our centre and wholeness of self, the universe and its spiralling energies, and our connection to the community. The mandala is a symbol of man or woman in the world, and gives support to the meditating person.

Befitting as a study bag, or somewhere to put your Buddhist texts, some proceeds from each bag are used in organising His Holiness the Dalai Lama's Teachings, and it therefore connects you, via intent, to the enlightenment of all sentient beings upon its very purchase.