Perth was famous for its abundance of very large, fragrant roses. When Srila Prabhupada returned to the house after his walk, Amogha offered him an enormous garland of them that reached down to his knees. Each rose was over 15cm wide, with an exquisite perfume, and Prabhupada appeared very pleased.
"I have never seen such big roses. You have collected, so nice service you have done." Srila Prabhupada asked Amogha if he had stolen the flowers. Amogha explained sheepishly that he had taken them from a public park. Prabhupada chuckled to himself and said nothing more on the subject.
It was Ekadasi, the day that falls eleven days after the waxing or waning moon. Since fasting from grains and beans was compulsory on this day, Prabhupada asked for a simple breakfast. He requested Srutakirti to prepare some more elaborate things for his lunch -- cashews with ginger, fried panir cheese with potatoes and tomatoes, fried peanuts, and salad.
When Srutakirti brought Prabhupada a selection of cut fruits for his breakfast, Srila Prabhupada looked down quizzically at the plate. "What is this?" he asked Srutakirti, pointing to the purple fruits filled with yellowish-orange pulp.
"They call it passionfruit, Srila Prabhupada."
"Oh, it causes passion?" Prabhupada replied with a grin.
Srutakirti explained that it was not the case, and everyone laughed. Prabhupada motioned that the devotees leave the room. "You bring me so many varieties of food and my duty is to eat. So, now let me perform my duty."
After breakfast, Srila Prabhupada resumed his regular daily routine, answering his correspondence, then taking his massage around 11am. After lunch, Prabhupada took a short nap, then read Caitanya-caritamrta quietly in his room.
- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu
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