An Shigao
Between 148 and 170 CE, the Parthian monk An Shigao came to China and translated a work which describes the color of monastic robes (Skt. "kāṣāya") utilized in five major Indian Buddhist sects, called "Da Biqiu Sanqian Weiyi" (). Another text translated at a later date, the "Śāriputraparipṛcchā", contains a very similar passage corroborating this information. In both sources, members of the Mahīśāsaka sect are described as wearing blue robes. The relevant portion of the Mahāsāṃghika "Śāriputraparipṛcchā" reads, "The Mahīśāsaka school practice dhyāna, and penetrate deeply. They wear blue robes."