Once upon a time there was an old man called Sthira, who lived alone in Tenali’s village. The villagers and Tenali would often come over to the old man’s house and express their sympathy that his only son had gone so far away to study. To all their concern, Sthira would always thank them and say, “Whatever happens, happens for the good.”
One day, the old man’s son returned to the village. The entire village was very happy for Sthira, and he thanked all of them for coming over and Sthira said, “Whatever happens, happens for the good.” One day, Sthira’s son fell off a horse’s back and broke his leg. And once again the old man said, “Whatever happens, happens for the good.” A few days later, a small army of the local king came to the village and recruited all able-bodied young men into the army. When they came to Sthira’s house they found his son with a broken leg. So they left him behind. And like always, the old man thanked all the villagers for their concern and said, “Whatever happens, happens for the good.”
