Is it possible for someone who does not know Buddhadharma to experience no-self? Is it possible that they do have the experience, but because their background is different they interpret it differently? Perhaps they see it as God or totality.

SHIH-FU:

It is impossible for such people to have the true experience of no-self. One who experiences no-self enters into the realm of what the Buddha knows and sees. Such a person would not interpret or explain it as God or totality.

STUDENT:

I read an anecdote about a woman who was not practicing at all, just going through an intense period in her life. What naturally arose in her mind was the question, "Who am I?" She had an experience from it and it changed her view of herself and the world. Some time later she read some books on Zen Buddhism and saw the connection between her experience and Zen. She talked to a roshi and he confirmed her experience.

SHIH-FU:

If it happened as you say and a legitimate roshi confirmed her experience, it would mean she is something like a pratyekabuddha because she had no preconception of emptiness. On the other hand, if the roshi encouraged her to practice further and then guided her, and then she experienced more, that is perfectly understandable.