What are 'ashram whites' as in:?

Question

As Dr. Brilliant tells the story, in 1973, shortly before the guru's death, he told Dr. Brilliant to ''take off the ashram whites'' and use his skills as a physician to help eradicate smallpox, which was devastating India at the time.

Answer 1

An ashram is a type of monastery or other place of seclusion.
Simple garments are often worn. Ashram whites most likely means plain white clothing.

The guru was advising the doctor to end his secluded lifestyle and go out into society and use his skills to help people

Answer 2

Basically to take off his "kid gloves" and get the job done.