http://www.nydailynews.com/news/wor...d-meditating-monglia-report-article-1.2095566
Here is a picture of Itigilov:
And his mummified remains:
"In 1955 and in 1973, Itigilov's body was examined by Buddhist monks, who were astonished to observe no signs of physical decay. They were too reluctant to divulge their finding to the antireligious authorities of Communist Russia and the body remained in situ until 2002.
On 11 September 2002 Itigilov's body was eventually exhumed in the presence of the leaders of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. The body was transferred to Ivolginsky datsan (a residence of today’s Hambo Lama) where it was closely examined by monks and also by scientists and pathologists. The official statement was issued about the body – it was "in the condition of someone who had died 36 hours ago", very well preserved, without any signs of decay, with whole muscles and inner tissue, soft joints and skin."

How's this for dedication?
The mummified remains of a meditating Buddhist monk have reportedly been discovered in Mongolia with early estimates suggesting it being at least 200 years old.
Tuesday's stunning find reported by the country's Morning News revealed an ash-colored man sitting in a pensive lotus position, with no visible decay.
It was discovered inside of the Songinokhairkhan province, but exactly where and how was not released.
He was additionally described as found covered with some kind of cattle skin.
The human remains were taken to Ulaanbataar National Centre of Forensic Expertise for further study, according to the report.
It's been suggested that the man was a teacher of the famous Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov whose body was found eerily preserved — also seated in the lotus position — after his own death in 1927.
Here is a picture of Itigilov:
And his mummified remains:
"In 1955 and in 1973, Itigilov's body was examined by Buddhist monks, who were astonished to observe no signs of physical decay. They were too reluctant to divulge their finding to the antireligious authorities of Communist Russia and the body remained in situ until 2002.
On 11 September 2002 Itigilov's body was eventually exhumed in the presence of the leaders of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia. The body was transferred to Ivolginsky datsan (a residence of today’s Hambo Lama) where it was closely examined by monks and also by scientists and pathologists. The official statement was issued about the body – it was "in the condition of someone who had died 36 hours ago", very well preserved, without any signs of decay, with whole muscles and inner tissue, soft joints and skin."









I think these mummified monks just slowed down their metabolism in the cold to the point that their system slowed down enough to get preserved. 
even in death
especially since he died in an American hospital, so there are actually non-Buddhist doctors to confirm.