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Missoula program defines Hatha yoga, stresses history and safety
Summary
Susan Robertson, host of the community program "Yoga in Missoula," outlined the history and meaning of Hatha yoga, told listeners it is not a religion, and advised medical clearance before beginning practice.
Susan Robertson, host of the community program "Yoga in Missoula," opened the show by defining yoga and placing Hatha yoga in historical context. "The word yoga itself . . . translates from Sanskrit as union, the attainment of unity," Robertson said, and she told listeners that Hatha practice aims to bring "body, mind and spirit" into harmony.
Robertson emphasized that Hatha yoga is not a religious practice and does not require particular spiritual beliefs. "Hatha yoga is not a religion. You don't have to be Buddhist, Hindu, be a vegetarian, change your name to Swami to practice Hatha yoga," she said on the program.
She also cautioned that people with certain medical conditions should check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program. "Before beginning any type of exercise program you may need to check with your doctor especially if you had high blood pressure, if you've had a bad back or bad knee, or any other joint related problems," Robertson said.
The program noted the long history of yoga and referenced the Yoga Sutras as the most fundamental classical text; Robertson said scholarly estimates place origins "around 4,000 years ago." The program framed Hatha yoga as a set of postures and practices available to a wide audience rather than a creed, and directed listeners later in the broadcast to local class listings and printed resources.
