Originally Posted by Terumoto

Zen is all about playing the game of everyday life. The only reason a Zen monk would exist, is because he has lost the plot and needs guidance. He will leave the monastery in his own time, once the master there thinks he is ready. This could take a short visit of 3 days, or it could take living there for 30 years. The most common time is 10 years.

You can have the mindstate without becoming a monk, and even without having a teacher.