In Tibetan Buddhism, the Citipati, or “Lords of the Cemetery” are two mythological Buddhist ascetics, who were so deep in their  meditation, they were caught unawares by a thief and beheaded even before they knew they were dead.   As a symbol, the Chittipati represent the eternal dance of death, and perfect awareness.

19th Century, Colored illustrations of Buddhist heavens and hells (detail), Burmese, British Library. Sorry if my posts have been a little apocalyptic lately.