The Bodhisatta was once born in a brahmin's family and was named Araka; when he grew up he embraced the religious life and lived in the Himālaya as a teacher with a large following. He taught his pupils the value of the four brahmavihāras. After his death he was born in the Brahma-world and remained there for seven aeons.
The story was told to the monks at Jetavana in reference to the Metta Sutta (J.ii.60-2).