Dogen, the founder of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan, was inspired to become a Buddhist monk through a combination of personal experiences and a deep desire for spiritual awakening.

As a child, Dogen was deeply impacted by the death of his mother. This loss sparked a curiosity in him about the nature of life and death, and he began to question the purpose of existence. This led him to seek out various religious teachings, including Buddhism.

At the age of 13, Dogen was ordained as a monk in the Tendai school of Buddhism. However, he soon became disillusioned with the teachings and practices of the Tendai school and yearned for a deeper understanding of the true nature of reality.

Dogen's search for the truth led him to the Chinese Zen master Rujing, who introduced him to the practice of zazen, or seated meditation. Through this practice, Dogen experienced a profound spiritual awakening and realized the impermanence of all things.

This experience inspired Dogen to dedicate his life to the study and practice of Zen Buddhism. He left Japan for China, where he studied under Rujing for several years before returning to Japan to spread the teachings of Zen.

Dogen's commitment to the path of Zen was also influenced by his deep compassion for others. He saw the suffering and struggles of people in his society and believed that the practice of Zen could help alleviate their pain and bring about true peace and happiness.

Furthermore, Dogen was inspired by the teachings of the great Zen masters who came before him, such as Bodhidharma and Dogen's own teacher, Rujing. He saw their dedication to the practice and their profound understanding of the nature of reality, and he was determined to follow in their footsteps.

In conclusion, Dogen's inspiration to become a Buddhist monk was a combination of personal experiences, a desire for spiritual awakening, and a deep compassion for others. His journey led him to the practice of Zen and ultimately to the founding of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan, leaving a lasting impact on the world of Buddhism.