Listening to your most recent lecture (Visions, Dreams, Revelations) answered my first question, the idea is that by reciting the vowels IEOUAMS all of the chakras will develop in a balanced way, the auxillary practice recommended by the instructor which aids in the development of the occult ear is a good one, I feel that this one is very important as we are constantly receiving messages and symbols in the internal worlds from our being who obviously sends them to us so that we learn something important.
Thanks to God and all of the instructors for their assistance!