  An alternative formulation of the no-boundary initial state of the universe
in the Euclidean quantum theory of gravity is proposed. Unlike the no-boundary
Hartle-Hawking wave function, in which time appears together with macroscopic
space-time in the semiclassical approximation, in the proposed formalism time
is present from the very beginning on an equal footing with spatial
coordinates. The main element of the formalism is the wave functional, which is
defined on the world histories of the universe. This ensures formal 4D
covariance of the theory. The wave functional is defined independently of the
wave function as an eigenvector of the action operator. The shape of the Origin
region, together with the boundary conditions, is determined by the structure
of the total energy, which includes the 3D invariant contribution of the
expansion energy of the universe with a minus sign. The proper mass of the
universe arises as a non-zero value of the expansion energy in the Origin and,
over time, splits into a spectrum of proper masses of 3D invariant dynamic
modes. 4D covariance is restored at zero own mass of the universe.
