Who are the listeners of the story in Chapter 47, and what benefits are they told they will receive?

The listeners are addressed as "pious and virtuous listeners" in Chapter 47. They are promised several profound benefits if they listen with respect and attention. The chapter states that by hearing this "supremely holy" story, the bonds of Karma will be severed, regardless of whether the listeners are wise or ignorant. Furthermore, it is said that they will forget their bodily consciousness and be "overwhelmed by the eight-fold symptoms of divine love." For those weary of worldly life, listening to the story is presented as a way to find peace, which the narrator calls the greatest gain possible.