Jnana yoga knowledge of a Vishnu avatar or Shiva or Shakti (Goddess) that is emphasized. In all its various interpretations, the paths are not necessarily mutually exclusive. A "Jnana yogi" may also practice "Karma yoga" or "Bhakti yoga" or both, and differing levels of emphasis. According to Robert Roeser, the precepts of "Jnana yoga" in Hinduism were likely systematized by about 500 BCE, earlier than "Karma yoga" and "Bhakti yoga". In the Bhagavad Gita, "jnana yoga" is also referred to as "buddhi yoga" and its goal is self-realization. The text considers "jnana marga" as the most difficult, slow, confusing for those who
Aparoksha from which unity of existence is derived. This knowledge is gained by establishing a "guru-shishya sambandha" (Guru-shishya tradition) with a teacher who has already experienced that kind of knowledge (Aparoksanubhuti); the karma or acts required to be done, after gain of "Aparoksha jnana" is "Vidya-karma" which consists in "sravana" (hearing of srutis), "manana" (reflection) and "nididhyasana" (meditation on Brahman). Aparoksha is "savikalpa jnana" (knowledge) when one re-recognizes the non-dual nature of the ever-realized Self (Tat Tvam Asi), it is the immediate knowledge gained through the "pramanas"; practice of "Dhyana" (meditation) removes all "vikalpas" (varied thoughts) and leads to "nirvikalpa" or