An anagarika (Pali: anāgārika; lit., "homeless one") is a term used in Theravada Buddhism to refer to a lay attendant of a monk. Or it can refer to a lay person who has taken the 8 precepts for a long term commitment, i.e., for the rest of his/her life. The monastic rules or Vinaya restrict monks from many tasks that might be needed, including the use of money, or driving to another location, so lay attendants help bridge this gap. All anagarika take the 8 precepts, and often have the intention of becoming monks at a later point, though not always.