Why Do Western Occultists Embrace Indian Traditions Over Chinese Ones?

It's not entirely true that Western occultists ignore Chinese practices. While many gravitate towards yoga and tantra, there are actually communities that blend these traditions. For instance, the Franz Bardon community is known for their integration of Daoist techniques with Western hermetics. Teachers like Sixty Skills incorporate Daoist energy practices, showing a crossover that often goes unnoticed.

Theosophy played a significant role in merging Indian philosophies into Western occultism back in the late 1800s. It wasn’t the only movement, but it was pivotal, especially as figures like Crowley were rising in prominence at that time. You've got to consider how impactful those early connections were.

One major issue is translation. A lot of Chinese texts haven’t been translated, so that makes it tough for Western practitioners to dive into those traditions. Plus, Chinese practices can vary widely from region to region, unlike the more standardized systems we see in Indian traditions, which creates another hurdle for understanding.

Claims that no one in Western occultism is interested in Chinese culture aren't accurate. For instance, Benebell Wen has received attention for her writings on fu talismans and magical practices associated with Chinese traditions. It's definitely a misrepresentation to say there's no interest!

It's a bit of a stretch to say 'no one' is interested in Chinese occultism. Crowley himself translated the Tao Te Ching, although I hear his translation had some questionable parts. Interest in Chinese practices has definitely evolved over the past century, especially as India was the more fashionable option during the British colonial era.