器

Qi (Vessel)

圖片來源：學習強國

實在的器物或具體的職官、身份等?！捌鳌笔怯行蔚幕蚩梢跃唧w描述的。每一種“器”都具有特定的形態(tài)、功用或能力。因此，“器”與“器”之間有著明確的界限和差別。但不同的“器”之中又包含著相通的“道”。“器”的存在來自于“道”且依賴于“道”。具體就人事而言，個人在自己的職分中擔負著特定的責任，但又應超越于具體而有限的器用，致力于對“道”的體認與遵循。

Qi (器) is a real object or a specific official, position, etc. A qi is something visible, or something one may describe in concrete terms. Every kind of qi has a specific form, function, or capability. Therefore there are clear distinctions between one qi and another. However, a common Dao exists in different qis. The existence of a qi is based on Dao. In terms of human affairs, an individual assumes a particular responsibility suited to his position; but he should go beyond his specific capabilities and strive to adhere to and obtain Dao.

引例 Citations：

◎形而上者謂之道，形而下者謂之器。（《周易·系辭上》）

未成形質者稱為“道”，已成形質者稱為“器”。

What is above form is called Dao, and what is under form is called 'an object.' (The Book of Changes)

◎子曰：“君子不器?！保ā墩撜Z·為政》）

孔子說：“君子不局限于一才一藝之用?！?/p>

Confucius said, 'A virtuous man should not possess one skill only.' (The Analects)

◎樸散則為器，圣人用之則為官長。（《老子·二十八章》）

真樸的道分散則成為各種器物，圣人善于任使不同功用的“器”，就成為百官的首長。

Dao disperses and gives birth to tangible objects, and sages who are good at making use of objects of different functions become natural leaders of all officials. (Laozi)

（推薦：教育部 國家語委 供稿：北京外國語大學 外語教學與研究出版社）