The focus of this talk was on understanding the background and application of the different Buddhist sutras. A Buddhist sutra (sutta) is a text based on the teachings of the Buddha. Buddha did not write any text but, upon his death, his disciple Ven. Ananda took the task of organizing the preservation of Buddha's teachings. As narrated by John Gill, Ven. Ananda summoned 499 enlightened monks and together they transcribed what they have learned from the Buddha.
Because it wasn't Buddha who wrote down the sutras, these texts are subject to interpretation. Inconsistencies may also arise among sutras written in different languages. John recommends comparing them against other versions of the same text and trust those which are more consistent.
What sutras to read? Sutras are not sequential writings and thus may be hard to read. Access to Insight offers a great thematic index of the sutras (http://www.accesstoinsight.org/index-subject.html). John recommends pick a topic one is familiar with and read the corresponding sutra. This may help us getting accustomed to the writing style and facilitate the reading of texts we are not familiar with. Later, one can read any other topic of interest.
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