Theravāda is the oldest surviving school of Buddhism, with roots tracing back to the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. It is also known as the "Doctrine of the Elders" or the "Teachings of the Ancients". This school of Buddhism is primarily practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.

One of the main differences between Theravāda and other schools of Buddhism is its emphasis on monastic discipline. In Theravāda, the monastic community, or Sangha, plays a central role in preserving and passing on the teachings of the Buddha. Monks and nuns are seen as the ideal practitioners and are highly respected for their dedication and renunciation of worldly attachments.

Another key difference is the belief in the Pali Canon as the most authoritative and complete collection of the Buddha's teachings. This canon is written in the Pali language and is considered the most accurate record of the Buddha's words. Other schools of Buddhism have their own collections of scriptures, but they may differ in content and interpretation.

Theravāda also places a strong emphasis on the concept of anattā, or non-self. This means that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul, and that all things are impermanent and constantly changing. This belief is central to the practice of meditation in Theravāda, as it helps practitioners let go of attachments and desires.

In contrast to other schools of Buddhism, Theravāda does not place as much emphasis on ritual and devotional practices. Instead, the focus is on personal practice and understanding the teachings through meditation and study. This does not mean that Theravāda does not value compassion and kindness, but rather that these qualities are seen as a natural result of one's own spiritual development.

Another distinguishing feature of Theravāda is its belief in the concept of arhat, or the ultimate goal of enlightenment. In this school, the goal is to become an arhat, or an enlightened being who has attained liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Other schools of Buddhism may have different interpretations of enlightenment and the ultimate goal of practice.

In summary, Theravāda differs from other schools of Buddhism in its emphasis on monastic discipline, the Pali Canon as the most authoritative scripture, the concept of anattā, a focus on personal practice and understanding, and the goal of becoming an arhat. While these differences may set Theravāda apart, all schools of Buddhism share the common goal of attaining peace and liberation from suffering through following the teachings of the Buddha.