四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.121

3.121

Precept 60: Wearing White Three Robes. The underlying reason for instituting it: Generally, dyed robes of disfigured color are the garments of the path and the hallmark of the precepts; internally they dispel possessive attachment, and externally they foster faith and respect. Now, keeping and wearing them without dyeing them is not the hallmark of a recluse with the eye of the path; internally it increases greed and attachment, and externally it invites ridicule and harm, the fault being no light matter. Therefore the sacred institution was necessary. There are four specific conditions: 1. It is one of the three robes. 2. It is one's own property. 3. It has not been dyed and disfigured. 4. Wearing it, which constitutes an offense. This precept was instituted because the group of six wore white robes, and householders ridiculed them. The bhikṣus reported it to the Buddha, who rebuked them and instituted the precept.