Customer Rating: 
Summary: Tries too hard to impress the reader
Comment: I bought this book recently for $2 because Tuttle is dumping a lot of old titles. The discounted price reflects the book's limited market: people interested in martial arts stories; specifically, martial artists who are able to recognize that mastery of physical forms is not enough; and more specifically, martial arts teachers who have come to a point of dissatisfaction with technique and are open to deeper teaching.
Basically, it's the story of a Master who is summoned from his native Vietnam to help a disheartened student now living in the US. The Master travels across the ocean and teaches a diverse band of martial arts teachers, primarily by urging them to let go of form and seek substance. Lots of quotes from Lao Tzu, which is always a tricky way to go because that sage continually insisted that words are not enough.
In one sense, the book is a success if it has served as key input for a few individuals to transform their lives, and thereby those of their students. But as general reading, it's mostly fluff with lots of old cliches (e.g., boat crossing to the other shore, p. 109), New Age cliches (e.g., "the movements somehow embraced all styles", p. 130), and repeated admonitions about the sorry state of western civilization.
At some points, the book even reads like a badly written novel, where the author is oblivious to the fact that polysyllabic words inserted in the dialogue sound forced because nobody speaks that way naturally. And in Chapter 10, the Master basically tells one of his students, "You are in duality but I am not" (p. 141), which is really quite funny if you are not mesmerized by the author's claim to an exalted state.
I'm sure some people feel the book is very helpful. But the only part that I found inspiring and original was the tale of Usefulness and Uselessness in Chapter 2.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Companion to Beyond the Known
Comment: Toward the Unknown is the sequel to Beyond the Known, which was for some of us, a work of art. Master Tri Dang responded to a few comments that Beyond the Known reflected so much of the traditional martial artist's mind that it was difficult for some contemporary practitioners to follow. As was his occasional practice, if artistry wasn't clearly understood, the point was made directly, like using a two-by-four to move a mule. Toward the Unknown was Master Tri Dang's last effort, and again tells parables of the student, teacher and master. These characters teach and learn through life's journey of transitions set in more modern situations. The book is more explicit about developing character through practice and discipline. If Beyond the Known is poetry, then Toward the Unknown is prose. These books are meant for the martial artist to reflect upon their goals, contributions and purpose.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Unknown Quantity
Comment: As a Martial Artist of 15 years, I found the ideas in this book to be amazing. As a whole, it altered my perception of what the Martial Arts are in relation to each other and to life. After 15 years of practice, I have a long way to go, and this book has provided me with the direction I need. I feel that even non-practitioners can absorb so much from this book. They will come to understand what mastery is of any sort, and can strive to improve themselves using that understanding.
For those who are reluctant because it is a "self help book" rest easy. It is written as a series of parables, not lectures, which are entertaining and easy to follow. Be warned though, such simple stories lead to complex ideas... enjoy!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Toward the Unknown
Comment: This very interesting book, marvelously writen by Tri Thong Dang brought me a deep understanding about the oriental aspect of the martial arts; as today we all look for self defense 0nly, some spiritual aspects were lost nowadays.Thw words of this book, bring me back to the days when we care about Master and disciple dialogues; and made me take the dust from my old I Ching book.
One of the most interesting part of this volume is exactly that - each chapter starts with an I ching hexagram. And if you are clever enough, you'll relate all the history with the symbols.
It's not the best book I read, but it worth it; I read it all in one afternoon.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Toward the Unknown
Comment: This very interesting book, marvelously writen by Tri Thong Dang brought me a deep understanding about the oriental aspect of the martial arts; as today we all look for self defense 0nly, some spiritual aspects were lost nowadays.Thw words of this book, bring me back to the days when we care about Master and disciple dialogues; and made me take the dust from my old I Ching book.
One of the most interesting part of this volume is exactly that - each chapter starts with an I ching hexagram. And if you are clever enough, you'll relate all the history with the symbols.
It's not tje best book I read, but it worth it.
