How does listening to the stories of Saints lead to spiritual merit?

Chapter 50 describes a direct and powerful effect of engaging with sacred stories. It makes the profound claim that "when the stories of Saints fall on the ears, not a trace of sin remains." Beyond just the removal of sin, the text states that positive growth occurs, as "merit sprouts from hearing the stories." The process is illustrated with an agricultural metaphor: the listener's mind is a "well-plowed" land, the story is the "seed," and attentive listening is the "Cloud of Grace" that rains down, allowing the crop of merit to be produced. The chapter encourages readers to take advantage of this auspicious opportunity for spiritual purification and growth.