Four of the Buddha's foremost Arhat disciples relate a parable about a prodigal son to express their joy upon hearing that they, too, can become Buddhas in the future.

Describes the setting for the speaking of the Sutra, the assembly that gathered to hear it, the Buddha's emission of light, the questions asked by Maitreya Bodhisattva, and the response given by Manjushri Bodhisattva.

In Chapter Seventeen, the Buddha describes for Maitreya Bodhisattva the extent of the merit and virtue of one who, having heard of the Buddha's life span, brings forth faith and understanding. Chapter Eighteen describes how one who upholds this sutra will gain merit and virtue pertaining to the mouth. Chapter Nineteen describes how one who upholds this sutra will gain merit and virtue pertaining to the ears.