noun
nine years facing a wall in meditation
Refers to the legendary nine-year meditation of Bodhidharma (Daruma) facing a wall at Shaolin Temple. Used as a metaphor for long, dedicated, single-minded effort in study or training.
面壁九年の修行の末、彼は悟りを開いたと伝えられている。
It is said that after nine years of facing a wall in meditation, he attained enlightenment.
彼の研究への打ち込み方はまさに面壁九年だ。
His dedication to research is truly like nine years of facing a wall.