In his Essential Nature,
Man is the Imperishable Consciousness

Mind is an exceedingly limited power and self-expression of the consciousness which it embodies, and of which it has no direct knowledge.

Without the Consciousness as its ensouling essence and energising Being, Mind can neither think, nor know, nor see, nor yet function in any manner.

Consciousness can dispense with Mind, Life, Matter, for its self-expressions and functions. Mind, Life, Matter, cannot dispense with the Consciousness.

Consciousness is prior to all manifestation and all experience.

H.D. Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati