The Honmatu dispute (dispute over head and branch temples) rose from matsuji seeking its own independence from the head temple by having a great physical distance from the head temple, conflict due to different interests, or by having different sects, and the head-temple side sought to confirm the position and benefits of matsuji.
本山と末寺が遠距離を隔てていたり、利害関係での対立、そして宗派が異なる場合などには末寺が本山からの自立を画策したり、逆に本山側が末寺に対する地位・権利の確認を求める本末相論が発生した。