You told me our consciousness goes to a state known as the bardo after we die but before we are reborn. Shouldn't the sum of population of all living creatures and the population in bardo always stay constant?

Dear User, I can understand why you might be questioning the concept of bardo and its impact on the population of living creatures. From a Buddhist perspective, bardo is considered an intermediate state that one passes through after death and before rebirth. It is a transitional phase that can last for 49 days, during which the consciousness experiences different levels of clarity and confusion. It is important to note that bardo is not a physical place, and therefore, it does not affect the population of living creatures. The population of living beings is constantly changing due to birth, death, and migration. The bardo state is a continuation of the consciousness that is transitioning from one life to another, and it is not considered a permanent state. From a psychological perspective, the concept of bardo can be seen as a metaphorical representation of the transitional phase that we go through during major life changes. These changes can be associated with the loss of a loved one, a career change, or a relationship ending. During these times, we may experience a sense of uncertainty and confusion, which can be likened to the experience of bardo. In terms of coaching advice, it is important to recognize that change is a natural part of life, and that it is okay to feel uncertain and confused during transitional phases. It can be helpful to practice self-care, engage in activities that bring joy, and seek support from loved ones or a professional if needed. Remember that change can also bring new opportunities for growth and transformation.