Bhagavatapurana 1.2.24

1.2.24

pārthivāddāruṇo dhūmastasmādagnistrayīmayaḥ /
tamasastu rajastasmāt sattvaṃ yadbrahmadarśanam //

24. To the earthy (dull and immobile) wood, the smoke proceeding from it is superior; and to such smoke, the Fire (active and illuminating), is superior, as intimately connected with all sacrificial acts laid down in the Vedas; similarly, to Tamas (which is oblivion and complete darkness enveloping all), Rajas is superior, as leading to some perception of (conditioned) Brahman; and to such Rajas, Satva is infinitely superior, as leading to the direct realisation of Brahman. (Hence Brahma and others are in the ascending order of superiority according as Satva preponderates in them).