Dāyaka

dāyaka; dayaka (Sanskrit). A donor or benefactor, usually a lay-person who gives alms regularly or assumes responsibility for certain costs or expenses incurred by the local monastic community.

Lit.: Giver. A term used in both Theravāda and Mahayana countries to denote the lay supporter of a Bhikkhu or the Mahayana equivalent. The Dayaka undertakes to supply the Bhikkhu with his legitimate needs, such as food, new robes and medicine, and in modern times will often pay his travelling expenses.