Jnana yoga Shaivism traditions do not consider renunciation necessary for practicing jnana yoga, leaving ascetic yogi lifestyle optional. Spirituality can be pursued along with active life ("karma"), according to Shaiva traditions, and it believes that this does not hinder ones ability to journey towards self (Shiva within) realization. The traditions dwell into this integration of karma yoga with jnana yoga, such as by ranking daily behavior and activity that is done by choice and when not necessary as higher in spiritual terms than activity that is impulsive or forced. The methodology of sravana, manana and nididhyasana similar to Advaita Vedanta are also
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