The universe has existed infinitum. I.E. - It never had a created point and has continuously existed without beginning or end or recreation. I believe what is essentially the big bang happened. Since we know the universe is currently expanding, thanks to the Hubble Deep Field, we know that at a time before now it was smaller. If you keep going back in time far enough the universe will have compacted to a point. But, since I think the universe has neither been created or has an end, I believe the universe is going through a continuous oscillating expanding and contracting. In other words, it collapses upon itself and then explodes again.
Believe it or not, my theory is now being incorporated in string theory because it completely coincides with string theory. Although I, of course, did not submit this theory to be reviewed but I've definitely had it in my head for some time now.
As far as why we are here, the very basic explanation I'm going to semi-expand upon is that we are a very advanced form of mold. We grasp on to a host (the Earth), eat using what comes from the host, and propagate our species so that it may spread and do the exact same thing.
The meaning of life... there is no specific meaning. (OH SHIT! PARADOX!)
Consciousness is essentially interactions between organisms.
The Universe does have a cycle; that cycle being the continuous expansion and inevitable collapse of the universe.
I would like to expand upon the religious portion but I honestly don't want to offend anyone.
