Fascinating and well-written, Ethan, thanks for sharing. But I'll stick with Hindu philosophy, that we are not in the only universe and there is no beginning or ending of creation. Measured in kalpas of time, each universe has its own beginning and own ending. And each expands for a long period of time them contracts until it's so compact that it bursts forth into a new universe (the 'Big Bang', over and over and over again, a never ending series of Big Bangs and subsequent universes).

I'll add to that what I've observed while in deep meditation: the universe, as seen from 'outside' (which isn't, of course, 'physically' possible) has an elongated shape similar to those long summer watermelons as opposed to the round ones. And it is in constant motion, yet not moving. It is still. It flows within itself for the constant motion and egos flare into existence all along its 'length', swirl in emotion, only to be enfolded again. Between the moment an ego flares into existence until the moment it enfolds is what we experience as our lives. Some longer than others but all enfold again into the moving, but still, universe.

Not exactly 'scientific' but not everything can be explained in a scientific manner.

Best, Blaine