Other figure
Yuima Koji
維摩居士
Yuima Koji appears in the Yuima Kyō as a person who, as a layman, deeply mastered the Buddhist teaching. Going beyond the view that only monks can understand the Buddha's teaching, he shows the wisdom of people living in everyday society.
This introduction is based on materials from Shōhōin (Tobi Fudō). It is summarized within the scope of the beliefs and traditions those materials convey, and does not present explanations or customs common to all schools, shrines, and temples.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Yuima, who shows deep wisdom without becoming a monk
Yuima Koji appears in the Yuima Kyō as a person who, as a layman, deeply mastered the Buddhist teaching. Going beyond the view that only monks can understand the Buddha's teaching, he shows the wisdom of people living in everyday society.
Source: 石山寺・飛不動尊 正宝院
A dialogue with Monju, who visits him on his sickbed
In the story, the disciples hesitate to visit Yuima, who is skilled in debate, and Monju Bosatsu visits him and they hold a dialogue. The image of Yuima Koji handed down at Ishiyama-dera also depicts this scene of him speaking of the teaching on his sickbed. Familiar events such as illness and visiting the sick become the stage for Buddhist questions.
Source: 石山寺
Sources (in Japanese)
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：維摩居士」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 飛不動尊 正宝院「仏様の世界：目次」（2026-10-14 確認）
- 石山寺「維摩居士像・如意輪観音半跏像」（2026-10-15 確認）
- 鹿鳴文庫「仏像図彙：維摩」（2026-10-16 確認）