5 Koshas Quiz

The 5 Koshas and Matrescence

In yogic philosophy, the state of being at any point in time is considered to be the culmination of five sheaths or layers of your existence called the koshas.

As you journey through pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum and into parenting, you are undertaking an intense period of transformation (called matrescence).

By understanding how your powerful transformation is affecting each layer of your being, you can understand how best to support yourself throughout your entry into parenthood.

Similarly, if you are supporting someone going through matrescence, working through this process with them can help to identify how you can best support them.

5 Koshas Quiz

In order to support yourself holistically on your matrescence journey, it’s helpful to understand which of the 5 koshas you are most connected to right now and which ones could do with a little more love and attention.

To get the most out of this quiz, don’t contemplate your answers too deeply or for too long. Go for the answer that first speaks to you and try not to analyse. Write down your selection to each question so you can find out more about yourself at the end.

Which of the following activities appeals to you most:

A) Catching up with a friend

B) Reading a book

C) Sitting down with a warm drink

D) Getting outside in the fresh air

E) It would depend what my body needed at the time

My preferred way to move my body is:

A) Dancing

B) Weight training

C) Yoga postures or pilates

D) Strong cardio exercise such as running, swimming, cycling

E) It depends on where I am at in my monthly cycle

When I move my body, I tend to experience:

A) A state of flow, where time seems to stand still

B) Clarity on things I have been pondering or new ideas

C) An increased awareness of how my muscles and limbs are feeling

D) A sense of envigoration or an endorphin kick afterwards

E) Insights into what I need to support myself right now

When I have just achieved something I have been working towards for a long time, my tendency is to:

A) Plan a celebration

B) Start thinking about the next steps and setting new goals

C) Gift myself a yummy treat

D) Put aside some time for restoration, as I need a break after all that hard work

E) Make a conscious choice to let go of any attachment to the outcomes of my achievement

Which of the following styles of mindfulness appeals to you most:

A) Chanting a mantra

B) Noting the thoughts when they arise and then letting them pass by

C) Mindful movement

D) A meditation focussing on the breath

E) Connecting to my ancestors and guides

Well done! You’ve finished the quiz!

Make sure you:

1. Collate your answers by writing down how many of each letter you chose from A to E. Even note which letters you did not choose.

eg. 1 x A, 0 x B, 3 x C, 1 x D, 0 x E

2. Scroll Down to interpret your scores

You will gain insight into how you can support yourself holistically wherever you are at in your matrescence journey.

Each of the lettered options in the quiz represented a different one of the koshas as follows:

A) = Anandamaya Kosha (bliss state)

B) = Manomaya Kosha (the mind)

C) = Annamaya Kosha (physical body)

D) = Pranamaya Kosha (life force energy)

E) = Vijnanamaya Kosha (wisdom and intuition, discernment)

Firstly, take a look at which letters you chose at least once.

—> These are the layers of yourself that you are naturally connected with and likely spend time nurturing, perhaps without even realising.

Now, take a look at which letters you didn’t choose.

—> These are the layers of yourself that may feel less familiar for you, and may take a little more conscious effort and intention to nurture.

• Having this understanding of which layers of yourself are currently well-supported can be affirming. Keep doing what you’re doing!

• Bringing awareness to other layers of yourself can be an opportunity for bringing more balance and holistic support into your life.

Some of these concepts can be a little abstract - don’t worry, it’s taken us many years of study and applied practice to get our head around the concept of the koshas! To help you, we’ve compiled some suggestions for supporting each kosha across each stage of matrescence. Just click on the stage that applies to you or the person you are supporting.