It is a warning to be cautious and to remember that people can intentionally misrepresent themselves - perhaps by donning a monk's habit in order to seem more trustworthy. As for its origins ...

Buddha You don’t have to retreat to a monastery to benefit from life-changing monk habits. Start with being present and ...

The degree hood was originally part of the monk’s habit - a carryall for food or other small items. Eventually, the hood became separate from the gown, variegated in colour, and emblematic of scholars ...