Take a look at Ito's work as it evolved into the Inori (Prayer) series. In some ways, this may seem like he moved closer to Buddhist iconography. However, Inori works represent a shift away from Buddhist images. Buddha, the awakened one, typically shows a particular Mudra or hand gesture. The iconography of the Buddha images evokes specific ideas during Buddhist meditation or rituals. Here we see the Karana Mudra, a gesture that signifies the warding off evil and negative energy. The index finger is raised during the middle finger and the thumb touch. This positioning helps to reduce sickness or negative thoughts. The other gesture - with the middle and ring fingertips near the thumb- is Apana Mudra. This gesture is believed to rejuvenate the body. According to Ito, however, these hands are an exploration into what it is to be human.