Chapters Three, Four, and Five each introduce a parable. The sutra was arranged in such a way that we can easily understand the theories, which were first introduced in Chapter 2, Expedients, by means of the parables in the next three chapters. By the end of [Chapter 6, Assurance of Future Buddhahood], the five “hearers” (Śāriputra, Subhuti, Maha-Katyayana, Maha-Kasyapa, and Maha-Maudgalyayana) have been assured by Sakyamuni of their future Buddhahood. … [T]he sutra will gradually disclose how not just some, but all of the “hearers” are assured of becoming Buddhas in the future.