I'm thinking about becoming a monk

It feels like entering; the mind is free to learn and practice.
Let's consider monasticism by dividing it into two types.
One is being a monk in some denomination in modern Japan.
The other is “becoming a monk” in the Theravada (before splitting into sects) since Shakyamuni Shakyamuni, who still lives today.
When you become a monk in a Japanese sect, you are doing the teachings and practices of that sect. I don't know if Shakyamuni is right or not. Today's Japanese sectarian Buddhism is a family business, so if you are a woman from outside, you may encounter black legal affairs, low wage labor, or worse instead of being made into a monk. We have to identify the business owner.
In the Theravada, women can also “become monks,” but there is almost no legal affairs, and they only need to receive their own studies, ascetic practices, and memorial services. Instead, if you don't go to a Theravada country such as Myanmar or Sri Lanka, there are no such shelters in Japan.
Becoming a monk means simply abandoning all of your worldly duties and learning for your own enlightenment. Instead, according to the precepts, you must keep an eye on your own words, actions, and heart for 24 hours. You have to put all the commandments into your head first. Men in particular are expected to preach sermons at funerals and memorial services, so learning and memorizing sutras is also essential. There are mentors who take care of and guide you, so instead, you always have to take care of your master's personal surroundings. When your mind doesn't shake, it's easy to be kept by the commandments, but until that happens, there is no freedom of body or mind, and it's a prison. That's what it means to abandon the world and get ahead in the world.
The methods of the various denominations in Japan are extremely unstable and appropriate, so if you really want to understand it, it's a good idea to first try a few days of training camp meditation or a short-term monk in the Theravada system. Assuming that you research the methods of Sri Lanka and Myanmar yourself, in Japan, what the people of the Japan Terawada Buddhist Association, which is taught by Elder Sumanasara, is mentally and physically safe for the time being. Please search for Sumanasara or the Japan Therawada Buddhist Association on the internet. The Japan Terawada Buddhist Association style training camp hosted by my temple will be held in Yamaguchi prefecture for one week this fall.
But first, what is Buddhism? What does enlightenment mean? I think it's a good idea to take a quick look at things like that on Elder Sumanasara's YouTube.

You doubt yourself, “I don't like the hustle and bustle of the secular world and just want to escape.”
That question is very important.
This is because becoming a monk is not a “path of escape,” but a “path of facing each other.”

However, I accept that if you are hesitating and still asking that question to yourself, you are already “someone who is trying to face the truth.”
People who “just want to run away” don't have that kind of question in the first place.

Speaking from the standpoint of the Shingon sect
In Buddhism, “becoming a monk” is a way to stop suffering, seek truth (Satori), and save sentient beings.
However, in modern times, “a form of priesthood (entering a temple wearing a robe)” is not necessarily the only path.

A life of seeking truth and contributing to others is possible even while staying at home.
Rather, I think the image of living in Buddhism while studying science and having the modern intelligence of being an engineer is needed in the coming era.

Before deciding “should I become a monk”, there is an important question
That is, “What makes my heart tremble deeply?” That's the question.

・Why do you want to seek the truth?
・What kind of “form” do you want to contribute to people?
・What is the “meaning” of your current job as an engineer?

In this way, listening to one's own “inner voice” is the shortest way to determine the path.

Live every day as an “act” without rushing to make up your mind
Buddhism explains that it is not “becoming a monk, that is, enlightenment,” but “the beginning of action after becoming a monk.”
Therefore, please don't deny yourself that you are currently lost, and take that hesitation itself as an “act.”

For example, try sitting for 5 minutes every morning, reading sutras, and taking time to look at your daily self.
With that alone, it is possible to live the Buddha's way in everyday life.

Lastly
You're already “on the road”
Becoming a monk is not about “changing the outside,” but about “deepening inner determination.”
Even if you don't become a monk tomorrow, your desire to “seek the truth” now is already the first step in Buddhism.

So you don't need to be impatient.
Your life as you walk through this question is already an irreplaceable and precious ascetic practice.

Please take care of yourself and be careful every day.
Beyond that, there will always be an “answer” that you are satisfied with.

Gassho

I read it.
You want to embark on the path of starting a career from now on from now on. I don't know the details about you, but I think it's great that you're being asked for a way like that. I would like to support you from the bottom of my heart.
I don't know the details of how you want to become a monk, but why don't you learn about Buddhism first?
I don't know if it will immediately lead to the path you are looking for, but I also think it's okay to read books such as the “Buddhist Scriptures” published by the Buddhist Transmission Association, or pray at Motoyama temples of various denominations and listen to various puja.
I think there are paths like those mentioned by Master Fujimoto and Master Suzuki.
There are probably many paths and ascetic practices that you would like to pursue in the midst of various encounters and encounters.
There will be plenty of options in front of you from now on.
There may also be a way to suddenly get away from your current job, and there may also be a way to search for the path you are looking for while working.
Please be sure to seek out a variety of encounters.
I sincerely pray to the Buddha, God, and your ancestors that the path you walk will lead to salvation for various people, so that you will be blessed with the paths and encounters you seek for yourself in the future and that you can walk on your own.
Please do your best. We wholeheartedly agree

Is it difficult to become a monk when things are shaken like this?

I feel that you have firm feelings and thoughts about becoming a monk,
I think I'm still in a state where I can't make my own decisions.
When it comes to making a choice, it's time to make a clear decision within yourself,
I think it would be better once you've made up your mind.
If you make a half-hearted choice, I think it will have various effects later.

“I also think I should become a monk once my feelings have settled,
If I do that, it seems like I'll end up with some kind of life like this.” There was
I think even if you become a monk before you decide, it will somehow end up in your life.
It is said that they want to know the truth, but if they have a strong desire to seek it, they will naturally become a monk or not
I think I can decide, and if I meet good leaders who meet what I'm looking for
I think, and I think someday I'll be able to find the answers I'm looking for.
If you don't know what you're looking for, you have to start with what you're sure about
I think later things will be half-hearted.

How can I make up my mind?

It's not about artificially using any means to make up one's mind,
I think it's better to wait for it to decide for itself. Do you think the time is ripe?
If you often have a conversation with yourself to clarify the purpose of becoming a monk and what you are looking for
I think it's good.
You can also listen to various Dharma lessons and lectures on the internet etc. Dharma sessions, zazen sessions, etc.
They say it's a good idea to participate in a sect that suits you and a leader you can respect
I think so.
I'm also a monk, but it's better to get a degree after having a relationship with a reliable leader
I think it's good.
There is also a choice not to become a monk and to search for the truth while continuing to work now
I think so. (It simply means that it can also be an option. I recommend it
I'm not doing it.)

In Zen Buddhism, we often say “after all” (and what is that?) I'm asked.
Specifically, I recommend that you ask yourself once again what kind of thing you imagine enlightenment or the truth of this world. If you don't get to the bottom of that, you may not be able to “search for your true self,” which is something you can't reserve even if you go out of your way to become a monk. Also, if you want to contribute to others, ask yourself what it is for or what.

If you focus too much on characters such as “enlightenment,” “truth,” or “contribution,” it seems as if the goals to be achieved have been determined in advance. Is that really true?
If you focus on the letter “monk,” you'll assume that it guarantees a path to enlightenment, truth, or contribution. Is that really the case?

Currently, becoming a monk means becoming a member of a Buddhist organization, large or small. There are the same organizational and human relationship restrictions as other social groups. And each individual is easily buried in that restraint.
“I like running. It often happens that even though I joined a marathon team thinking “I can run faster and have fun running with everyone,” but before I knew it, I was busy with arrangements and position battles to maintain the team, and running was neglected.
I think it can be said that being a monk is the same thing as this example. The fact of becoming a monk alone probably doesn't change anything.
There is no superior or inferior position between being a monk and being at home. Of course, the environment will be better if you become a monk, but that won't carry you to the goal like an escalator.
“So what is that?” If you ask yourself this question from time to time, I think your mind will gradually make up your mind.