The passage discusses the concept of karma and its relation to the soul in Hindu philosophy. It notes that karma is often misunderstood as fate or destiny, but it actually refers to the effects of a person's actions. One's karma determines the circumstances they will face in current and future lives. The passage emphasizes that humans have free will and are not helpless victims of their karma - through right action and cultivating virtues like compassion, one can overcome negative karma and progress spiritually.