A long wait might not necessarily shake one’s beliefs. However, when one could not see a trace of hope and was assailed continuously with trials and tribulations without no sign of improvement, one’s faith would naturally be eroded.
Those with a stronger will would view these tribulations as tests of resolve and a form of cultivation.
However, while the path ahead was not just thorny and perilous, but on the verge of completely breaking apart, even those with a strong will would gradually lose hope.
Normally, Buddhist cultivators were all rather resolute. They were able to see through human nature and discern their true selves. Hence, their resolve would not shake so easily.
Yet, for these people, the moment doubts started appearing in their minds, it was harder to eliminate. If they deviated from the right path, they would easily end up as extremists.
For many Buddhist cultivators, they were in an unprecedented state of confusion and loss.
