Question: I would like to become a monk but do not know how to do so. My primary wish is to be able to help others. Can you please give me some advice? I have become a vegetarian and begun to simplify my life.
Response: I will respond from my personal experience as an American nun whose teacher is Master Chin Kung since I cannot speak for others.
First, we need to look around and then choose the school that is most suitable for us. For me that is Chinese Pure Land. For you it might be Theravada or one of the Mahayana schools: Zen or Tibetan, or perhaps Pure Land, for example.
Next, we need to find the right master for us. This is not to say that some masters are better than others, only that we need to find the one that we have a strong affinity with and can best learn from. Meeting this individual depends on our causes and conditions. If the time is not right, no matter now much we search, we will not meet “our” teacher. If the time IS right, we will quickly find our teacher.
Then you need to spend time at the Buddhist temple or center to see first hand how the monastics live and practice to be sure it is a lifestyle that is truly suitable for you. Also, the master and the monastics need to observe you to determine your aptness for a monastic life in that particular sangha. If you decide that, yes, this is the right practice and teacher; you formally make your wish to become a monastic known to the master.
Whether this happens depends on the seeds you have previously planted.
Not knowing if we will meet the right conditions or not, the best thing to do is essentially what you have already begun to do. Studying Buddhism, becoming vegetarian, not engaging in activities that will distract you from what you truly want to do—help all living beings to end suffering and find lasting joy—will help you to focus on creating better causes.
To get the fruit we need to plant the seed.
You need not wait to become a monk to accomplish your goals of helping others and yourself to be free from samsara. The difficulties you face in daily life can provide you with an opportunity to begin helping others right now. Your example can touch others. You might not even know it is happening, but when practicing to be a good Buddhist, you act kindly and carefully with a sense of quiet happiness, others will notice and some will be touched. It may only plant a seed in them but that’s all we can hope to do—reach a few people on a deeper level and plant some seeds in others.
Your sincerity in wanting to help will plant the causes you need to become a monk. I do not know when they will mature. But, if your bear your wish in mind as you work at your practice, dedicate the merits to all beings, and strive to be a better person, someday your goal will be accomplished.