The objects of the senses are superior to the senses themselves. The mind is superior to those objects. The understanding is superior to the mind. Mahat or the principle of greatness is superior to the understanding.
इन्द्रियेभ्यः परे ह्या अर्थेभ्यः परमं मनः। मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्बुद्धेरात्मा महान् परः॥