White Lotus is closely related to Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), which was worshipped as a sacred plant and was a symbol for the origins of life.　

The white Lotus has long been symbolic in Hinduism and Buddhism.

In Buddhism the different colors of the lotus are associated with different stages of the spiritual journey. For instance a Lotus of blue symbolizing someone who has started their spiritual journey behind by leaving the concept of ‘self’ behind. The pink is the one reserved for enlightenment of the highest order and is associated with the highest deity, the Buddha.

The white lotus flower on the other hand sits at a stage between these two and is associated with the state of bodhi; that of becoming awakened to the wonders of it all.Additionally it is linked with the pacification of one’s own nature.

In the religion of Hinduism the white lotus flower is associated with beauty and the state of non-attachment; therefore it is closer related to its meaning in Buddhism as opposed to Egyptology (where the Lotus, usually the blue one, is associated with re-birth and the Sun).

Source: http://www.lotusflowermeaning.net/white.php